Falls prevention is a topic looming large
in the health care industry because of its tremendous cost in dollars, and in
largely preventable human suffering and death, and "look-back liability
(institutions that release patients as "well and fit", will be responsible for
the cost incurred by a patient fall in a (6 month) look-back period)". In 2000,
the total direct medical costs of all fall injuries for people 65 and older
exceeded $19 billion: $0.2 billion for fatal falls, and $19 billion for nonfatal
falls. By 2020, the annual direct and indirect cost of fall injuries is expected
to reach $54.9 billion (in 2007 dollars). (Source:
http://www.cdc.gov/HomeandRecreationalSafety/Falls/fallcost.html)

"Tai Chi Moving for Better Balance"
is an evidence based fall prevention activity that has been shown to reduce the
rate of falls by as much as 55%, with a persistency in the benefits of practice
lasting at least 6 months after stopping. Consider: reducing the projected
$54.9B cost by 55%, or reducing the odds of falling from 1 in 3 to 1 in 6, with
your community based practice of Tai Chi.

Based on more than 24 years of personal
experience and research, combined with materials and information in the public
domain, I have developed a continuing education course for credit (as incentive)
for learning about Tai Chi for physical and other therapists, and now Tai Chi
teachers. In the The Tai Chi for Therapy - "Teacher in Training" course, learn
what defines an evidence-based Tai Chi program in the eyes and minds of health
care bill payers, professionals, and researchers, and learn how to measure your
own Tai Chi practice to develop an evidence base. Learn what are the problems
with gait, balance and posture that can be remediated with Tai Chi. Learn the 8
simple movements of the CDC recommended "Tai Chi Moving for Better Balance"
program. The course details requirements for establishing and monitoring
individual and program progress, and how a program can be modified for
participant mobility limitations, and specific chronic-condition approaches. The
core of the teaching is the Tai Chi Moving for Better Balance program.

You will be provided with a road map and
method for developing and documenting increasing levels of skill, beginning with
the "Tai Chi for Therapy-Teacher in Training"certification. ATCQA has approved
the program as a Continuing Education Course. Currently the program is offered
"off site" (my location), and can be scheduled "in house" (your location).